SWMP

From the 6th April 2008, you must have a Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) for all new construction projects worth more than £300,000.

If a project is considered before 6 April 2008 and construction work begins before 1 July 2008, you will not need to produce a SWMP.

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland you do not need to have a plan – this may change in the future. Following the plan could assist to reduce the amount of waste produced.

If the project you are working on is projected to be more than £300,000, work should not commence until a SWMP is in place.

Each project should have a SWMP. It is a live document and therefore must be updated through the course of the project.

As it is produced at the very start of a project, the designers’ can consider ways that waste can be reduced and site-gained materials can be reused or recycled as part of the project. Identifying waste materials at an early stage that can not be reused on that project will make it easier to find other alternative uses for them.

Who is responsible for the SWMP?

If you are the client, you are responsible for the following: -
Producing the SWMP before construction works commences.

Appointing the Principal Contractor.

Passing the SWMP to the Principal Contractor.

Updating the SWMP (at least) every three months if you decide to manage the project yourself.